The quickest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or your profile picture on desktop). Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Look for Personal information in the left menu and click it. You'll see a field labeled Name — click Edit next to it, type your new name, and click Save changes.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new name shows up on your profile, in comments, and in messages right away. Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, so if you've changed it recently, you'll need to wait until that window closes before you can change it again.

If you're on a phone and the menu looks different, you may be using an older version of the app. Update Facebook from your app store and the steps above will match what you see.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information to find the Name field.
  • You can change your name once every 60 days, and the change takes effect when ready across your entire profile.
  • Facebook accepts most name formats, but avoid numbers, symbols, or repeated characters — the system may reject them.
  • If you're changing to a name that's very different from your current one, Facebook may ask you to confirm the change with a code sent to your email.

What names Facebook will and won't accept

Facebook has rules about what counts as a real name. You can use letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use numbers, emojis, symbols like @ or &, or repeated characters (like "Jjjjohn"). If you're changing to a name that includes a hyphen or apostrophe — like "Mary-Jane" or "O'Brien" — Facebook usually accepts it without question.

If your name is very different from what's currently on your profile, Facebook may flag the change and ask you to confirm it. You'll receive a code at the email address linked to your account. Enter that code to complete the change. This is a security step to make sure someone else isn't changing your name without your permission.

Changing your name on mobile vs. desktop

The steps are nearly identical on phone and computer, but the menu layout is slightly different. On a phone, tap the three-line menu at the bottom right of the screen. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner. Both lead you to Settings and privacy.

If you're using the Facebook app on Android or iPhone, make sure it's up to date. Older versions sometimes have menu items in different places. You can also use the mobile web version (facebook.com in your phone's browser) if the app isn't working as expected — the desktop steps will work the same way.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile when ready. People who visit your page will only see your new name. However, Facebook keeps a record of your name changes for security reasons — if someone hacks your account and changes your name, you can contact Facebook support and they can see the history.

Old messages and comments you posted under your previous name will still show your new name when people read them. There's no way to keep your old name visible on past posts. If you're concerned about privacy or want to keep your old name associated with certain posts, consider reviewing what you've posted before you change your name.

The 60-day waiting period explained

Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days to prevent account takeovers and impersonation. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it again. The timer starts from the date of your most recent change, not from today.

If you made a typo or need to change your name urgently, you cannot bypass this waiting period. The only exception is if you're changing your name for the first time — that change has no waiting period. After that, the 60-day rule applies to every change you make.

Changing your name if you don't see the option

If you can't find the Name field in Settings, check that you're logged into the right account. Some accounts have restrictions — for example, if your account is very new (less than a few days old), Facebook may not let you change your name yet. Wait a few days and try again.

If you're still stuck, log out completely and log back in. Sometimes the settings menu doesn't load properly until you refresh your session. If the Name field still doesn't appear after that, your account may have a temporary restriction. Contact Facebook support through the Help Center and describe what you're seeing — they can tell you whether there's a restriction on your account and when it will lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days from your last change. If you changed your name yesterday and want to change it back today, you'll need to wait until the 60-day window closes. After that, you can change it to anything you want, including your previous name.

Will my friends see a notification when I change my name?

No, Facebook does not send notifications about name changes. Your friends will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in a comment or message. Some people may not notice the change for a while.

Can I use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?

Yes. Facebook's name policy says you should use the name you go by in everyday life, which can be a nickname, stage name, or any name you use regularly. As long as it doesn't contain numbers or symbols, Facebook will accept it.

What if Facebook rejected my name change?

Facebook rejects names that contain numbers, symbols, emojis, or too many repeated letters. Remove those characters and try again. If your name is rejected for another reason, Facebook will show you a message explaining why. You can also contact Facebook support if you believe your name was rejected by mistake.

Does changing my Facebook name change my username?

No. Your username (the part of your profile URL, like facebook.com/yourname) is separate from your display name. Changing your name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, that's a different setting in the Personal information section.